Neuroplasticity and spinal control: Latest evidence of sensorimotor involvement in low back pain

No ISSNLow back pain represents an important medical and socio-economic problem [Hoy et al. 2012]. Currently, treatments provide modest short-term success due to insufficient knowledge of the mechanisms of non-specific low back pain [Costa et al. 2013]. Impaired sensorimotor control is suggested as a likely mechanism of developing and/ or sustaining low back pain [van Dieën et al. 2013, Claeys et al. 2015]. Until recently, most studies focused on the “end organ dysfunction”, i.e. on the structural and functional abnormalities within the musculoskeletal system [Robinson & Apkarian 2009]. However, patients with low back pain might also have structural and functional changes within the central nervous system. Moreover, clinical interventions increasingly aim to drive neuroplasticity with treatments to improve sensorimotor function and pain. This short communication comprises three parts. The first section briefly defines neuroplasticity in relation to spinal control & low back pain but also argues the finite potential of the system to adapt. The second part explores the different research approaches to neuroplasticity & low back pain and succinctly reviews the structural and functional brain changes as it relates to non-specific low back pain and sensorimotor function. The final section presents the clinical implications.status: publishe